Sale Sharks have confirmed a new team captain as Ernst van Rhyn has been named the skipper for the 2025/26 season.
Fan favourite van Rhyn joined Sale from South African side DHL Stormers and quickly became a popular character around the club.
Arriving in Greater Manchester from Cape Town for the 23/25 campaign, it’s been a great start to life for ‘Ernie’, who extended his stay at the recently rebranded CorpAcq Stadium last week.
Sharks fans will no doubt be happy with the selection in the wake of star player and England international Ben Curry passing on the armband.
𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 🫡
Ernie takes the reins this season 🔥
Get ready to welcome him back home on Thursday, as he leads Your Sharks out for the first time at our @PremRugby opener!
Signing a fresh deal on 16 September, van Rhyn has not only put pen to paper on a new three-year contract extension but also expressed his further commitment to the club by accepting the captaincy.
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Chosen by Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, because of his clear leadership capabilities and versatility across both the back and second row – and he has the stats to back it up.
Topping the dominant tackle charts in the division and emerging as one of the best combative talents in the Gallagher Premiership, Ernie has now made nearly half a century of appearances for the Sharks, starting all 18 league fixtures last term.
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With the new season getting underway this Thursday, the appointment of Ernst van Rhyn comes after one of the Curry twins earned himself an enhanced England playing contract earlier this month, meaning he’s unlikely to be able to provide the same level of dedication domestically.
“Over the past two years, I’ve really enjoyed learning from some of the amazing leaders we’ve got at the club – guys like Ben Curry, George Ford, Rob du Preez and others are fantastic leaders and I’ve tried to take bits from each of them.
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“But it’s also important for me to keep doing what I’m doing because that’s what has got me to this point. I know this role brings more responsibility, but I feel like I’m ready for that. I pride myself on my ability to lead by example, and I know I need to keep on improving my own game and working hard as a player.”
Insisting that he wants to be a “calming” presence in the pitch and deliver extra confidence all the way from the dressing room to the field, the Sale boss echoed similar aspirations.
Sanderson went on to add, “He leads by example, he’s respected by everyone at the club, and I have no doubt that he’ll be a fantastic captain for us”, crediting his “boundless work-rate” and “attitude” beyond merely his natural ability.
“Off the field, he is an incredible leader, not just in how he trains and carries himself, but in his words and the way he speaks to people”, continued ‘Sandy’; “On the field, he’s relentlessly physical and an extraordinary player who we feel very fortunate to have at the club.
“We’re so excited that he’s committed his future to the club because we feel he’s only going to get better.” What do you make of Ernie as the new captain, Sale fans – and how are you feeling for the Sharks’ season opener against Gloucester Rugby on Thursday?
Manchester United home kit for 2026/27 ‘leaked’ online in unboxing video
Danny Jones
Manchester United’s new home kit for the 2026/27 campaign has reportedly been leaked online in a YouTuber’s unboxing video ahead of next season.
We know fake shirts and dupes can be pretty accurate these days, but it looks very much like this could be the real deal.
Shared by dedicated football kit reviewer, ‘Retro Man‘, who has seemingly revealed the latest Man United jersey, this unveiling lines up with the previously rumoured designs circulated on social media.
A Red Devil himself, the creator has teased previous releases that turned out to be true in the past, so we’ll leave it up to all of you to decide how bona fide you think this supposed home strip is. Ever-reliable footy fashion peers, Footy Headlines, have also shared these images:
Uploaded to the channel on 25 April, Retro Man did a full overview of the United 26/27 home shirt, highlighting key features such as a red-forward collar with black and white accents.
That same trim is repeated on the ends of the sleeves – reminiscent of the 2011/12 iteration, only differing in the more crew neck style – and the back of the neck now simply reads “UNITED”.
It is worth noting that this is specifically the replica shirt that most fans will purchase.
Should it prove to be the genuine article, this will be the 11th Manchester United kit by adidas since they returned as manufacturers over a decade ago, a.k.a. the start of the Louis van Gaal era.
Retro Man has since posted another video showing off what he claims to be the ‘authentic’ version, too; you can check it out in more detail down below.
Looks pretty legit…
As you can see, the official player edition that will be worn on the pitch by actual United squad members (though they are still available to purchase by the public) appears to hold some key distinctions.
Besides some differences around the panelling and stitching, there is also a noticeable textured section along large sections of the interwoven fabric as part of the brand’s breathable and trademark ‘Climacool’ technology.
Elsewhere, the badge itself also looks to have a more embossed/raised finish. If this is the real deal, what do you make of it?
This isn’t the only United kit that’s caught some attention of late, either:
Featured Images — Retro Man (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
A League Of Their Own LIVE is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
The inaugural live tour version of A League Of Their Own Live Tour is heading out across the UK, with a big Manchester show booked on the list of dates.
For fans of the hit sports-based TV show on Sky, this will be the first time ever that the A League Of Their Own (ALOTO) cast will be presenting, performing and cracking plenty of jokes in front of a proper live audience.
There’s no stopping and resetting to get the shot with this production: just them and the crowds up and down the country – we know you won’t let the side down, Manchester.
Booking one of the city’s biggest and most storied live entertainment spaces, we have every faith they’ll make it a night to remember.
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN LIVE TOUR
The hit TV show announces its first-ever live arena tour! Hosted by Jamie Redknapp!
As you can see, already confirmed to be taking part in the live adaptation of the panel show are regular co-hosts Jamie Redknapp and Jill Scott, as well as some of the big names.
In addition to famous former sports personalities like Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, they will also be joined by comedians Tom Davies and Maisie Adam.
Massive football fans themselves, who have both been part of the ALOTO cast in the past, it’s a funny lineup, for sure.
While the main presenter, Romesh Ranganathan, has not been confirmed as part of the touring crew, it’s worth noting that the lineup could change closer to the time. We wouldn’t be surprised if they have some special guests up their sleeves for one or two of the shows, either…
Please let us see ‘Wazza’ roped in to recreate this moment:
Speaking of the dates, you can see all the shows – including the Manchester this coming autumn – currently announced down below:
A League Of Their Own Live Tour dates – 2026
Friday, 4 September – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Saturday, 5 September – AO Arena, Manchester
Tuesday, 8 September – OVO Arena Wembley, London
Friday, 11 September – Utilita Arena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Monday, 14 September – bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Thursday, 17 September – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
As detailed above, early access can be enjoyed either for Three Mobile members or via the venue’s official presale window, which opens at 10am this Thursday, 30 April.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets go live at the same time the following Friday (1 May); you can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
Danny Jones -
24th September 2025 
